New Year, Same Old Giants

New Year, Same Old Giants.

The New York Giants welcomed the Denver Broncos to MetLife Stadium Sunday afternoon, falling to their AFC West foe 27-13, starting another year with a loss. While I’m disappointed, I can hardly say I’m surprised.

The Good:

Despite only scoring 13 points, The Giants’ passing game was a strong point. Daniel Jones threw for 267 yards, and a touchdown to Sterling Shepard (who looked great in his new #3 jersey). Shepard had the best day among New York’s wideouts, securing seven catches for 113 yards, and proving to be Jones’ safety blanket. Free agent acquisition Kenny Golladay showed flashes of why the Giants paid so handsomely for him in the offseason. #19 had four catches for 64 yards, displaying outstanding hands, and the ability to make catches in traffic. Darius Slayton rounded out the trio, flashing on a 42-yard reception down the sideline early in the first quarter. Daniel Jones threw no interceptions, and was only sacked twice on 37 drop backs. I’d like to see more efficiency in the redzone, butconsidering where the offense was earlier in the preseason, I’m encouraged.

Grade: B

The Bad:

The Giants defense was horrifically bad. Patrick Graham has work to do Last years accolades mean nothing now. You’ve got to earn it every year. The Giants defenses of the past are ashamed tonight. This defense showed no bite. Teddy Bridgewater connected on 87% of his passes in the first half, as Denver led 10-7 at the break. The score would have been much worse, had Logan Ryan not forced and recovered a fumble on the Giants two-yard line as Denver was marching in to score. The weakness of the defense was on full display in the final two minutes of the first half, as the Broncos completed a fourth and two near midfield, that catapulted them to a last second score before the break. Denver followed it up with a drive that took up the entire first half of the third quarter. Bridgewater was mobile, and toyed with the man-to-man coverage Patrick Graham used to generate pressure. Bridgewater continually extended plays, and converted on long third and fourth downs. By the midway point of the third the Giants trailed in time-of-possession 28 minutes to 11, and the Broncos were 3-3 on 4thdown. We expect more from you Patrick Graham.

Grade: D+

The Ugly:

Head Coach Joe Judge. The most glaring mistake is obvious, throwing a challenge flag on Denver’s touchdown to start the third quarter. Scoring plays are unchallengable, and the Giants, now down 17-7 lost a valuable timeout that could be used in a comeback attempt. It’s your responsibility to manage the game, coach. Do better.

Judge’s issues go beyond game management. This loss was embarrassing, as The Giants looked undisciplined, and unready to play. The Giants do a lot of talking about playing better, but their issues remain the same.

The Giants pass rush is ineffective. If you don’t capitalize on blitzes, you get burned. The Giants remain impotent in the redzone, going a measly 1-3; the one, a meaningless touchdown as time expired to give the Giants 13 points. The Giants defense was undisciplined, registering three personal foul penalties, (looking at you Holmes, Ojulari, and Martinez).

Daniel Jones continues to have ball security issues, fumbling on a key drive in the third quarter.  And the special teams unit Judge champions missed a key opportunity to pin the Broncos at their own two on a punt, resulting in a touchback.

These issues are the same things that plague us year after year.  There is little to no discernable improvement.  That’s on the Head Coach.  That’s on Joe Judge.  

Coach Judge says all the right things, but the time for talk is long gone. It’s time for results Coach, and the buck stops with you. Don’t disappoint us.

Grade: D-

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